Oli launches new platform to free Khaleda

President of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Oli Ahmed on Thursday announced to float a new political platform 'Jatiya Mukti Mancha' in a bid to free BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail and 'restore' democracy in the country, reports UNB.

At a press conference at the National Press Club, he said Kalyan Party, Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish and Democratic National Movement are there in the new platform alongside his party to realise their 18-point demand.

"We can't remain silent in the current bad economic and political situation of the country. So, we decided to free Khaleda Zia and restore democracy. The nation will be freed from dictatorship if Khaleda Zia is released," Oli said.

He further said, "We're announcing the formation of Jatiya Mukti Mancha to achieve this goal. We believe all the nationalist forces will come forward in unison to free the nation from the current situation."

The LDP chief urged all the democracy-loving, patriotic political parties, all social organisations and all youths and elderly people to get involved with the platform.

Presenting the 18-point demand of the Jatiya Mukti Mancha, he said they will go to people with their demands to mobilise support.

The 18 demands include arranging a fresh national election under a non-party neutral government and releasing BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

"We would like to clearly say our Jatiya Mukti Mancha won't indulge in any destructive and terror acts. People now fear of taking to the street, we'll have to encourage them to come out of their home. We'll also make the government understand to come to the straight path from the wrong one," Oli said.

He hoped that opposition parties will join their platform to ensure justice in society.

Asked whether his party will quit the BNP-led 20-party alliance with the formation of new political body, Oli said Jatiya Mukti Mancha is not a political alliance, rather a platform. "We're there in the 20-party and will remain so in the days to come."

At the programme, BNP executive committee member and freedom fighter Ismail Hossain Bengal joined LDP by presenting Oli a bouquet.

Ex-AL MP Golam Maula Rony, who joined BNP before the 11th parliamentary election, was also present at the press conference.